My precious bride spent many years working in a funeral home, breathing in sadness and hurting only to exhale as soon as the families had been cared for. Internalizing aching hearts can overwhelm a loving soul like hers, but it was a ministry and she offered her best for the task. The deceased were but empty shells, yet still a father or mother, son or daughter; deserving dignity, modesty and respect. Her compassion brought comfort in otherwise empty days. She spent years enduring 2:00 am phone calls or leaving Thanksgiving dinners to travel to where she was needed. She approached each saddened room heart first, giving hugs and drying tears.

Jesus “said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-60

In her own special way, she was blessed with the strength to do both.

Over our years, we have encountered many doctors, some with good bedside manner, others, not so much. One doctor was so gruff, I demanded to speak to the head of the hospital department; not knowing that we just had seen him. After learning my wife had lived with her maladies longer than he had been treating them, the relationship improved, but not much. There have been a select few that had it not been for them, this beautiful soul would not have survived to become my better half. Those doctors entered exam rooms heart first, emulating the Greatest Healer.

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick”. Matthew 14:14

During the last pandemic, there was an outpouring of appreciation for those on the front lines, and deservedly so, dedicating long days away from family and friends. A multitude of warriors who led heart first into the fear of the unknown, regardless of what stood before them or what they left behind.

In each, I have seen the healing touch of Jesus, whether physically, spiritually or both.

I am grateful for those who are blessed with the strength to jump in heart first. I strive to be more like them.

Onward and Upward
Heart First

And Blessed in Great Measure

 

If you have been blessed by my meager ramblings, send me a note at john@blessedingreatmeasure.com. I love to hear good stories.
And subscribe so you will receive an email when the Spirit moves me to scribble thoughts again